Item Description
Original Item: One one Available. In 1886 ALFRED VON KROPATSCHEK designed an 8mm rimmed cartridge rifle that became the fore runner to the French LEBEL. Known as the 1886 Kropatschek Rifle it's big customer was PORTUGAL. Production lasted from 1886 until 1898, however many saw service in the First World War and later in the Spanish Civil War of the 1930's. Kropatschek's rifles used a tubular magazine (constructed of nickel-plated steel) of his design, of the same type used in the German Mauser Gewehr 1871/84 and the Japanese Type 22 Murata. While designed for black powder, the Kropatschek action proved to be strong enough to handle smokeless powder.
Our example is a "attic fresh" condition long colonial rifle version, officially designated the Espingarda de Infantaria 8 mm m/1886/89: 8 mm Infantry Rifle. It is fitted with a 32.3" barrel and a full length 8 round tube magazine under the barrel. The only difference between the m/1866 and m/1886/89 is the addition of a wooden handguard on top of the barrel for colonial service. This is only the third example we have had of one with an intact handguard, which were retrofitted onto the already produced m/1886 rifles. It definitely does look to have seen tropical colonial service, and definitely shows long term exposure to moisture.
Ours is marked on the left rear receiver with M.1886 and the metalwork is in good shape, with the markings easily legible, though there are definitely spots of surface rusting. The front left is marked with Œ.W.F.G. STEYR / 1886, for Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft, (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company), also commonly referred to as Steyr Werke. Steyr is an Austrian City just outside Vienna and at the time was the home of the entire Austrian arms production. They made Kropatschek rifles under contract for shipment to Portugal.
Serial number I767 is marked on the barrel and receiver, while the bolt is a non matching arsenal replacement with different serial numbers. This is very common to see on these rifles, which were in service for some time, especially the colonial service examples. The receiver is also marked in the left center with CROWN / L.I., for King LUIS 1st who reigned 1838 until 1889. The stock has been reconditioned at some point, so the serial number and cartouches are completely missing.
Offered in "salty" service used condition with both sling swivels and original side mounted cleaning rod present, with the cleaning rod unfortunately having become rust frozen in the stock. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is a bit of wear to the lands, so the rifle did see some level of service, but was well cared for, having been greased long ago to protect it, along with the rest of the action. Definitely a great bore considering that this saw colonial service!
The rifle cycles and dry fires, and the magazine cutoff functions as designed. The trigger return spring is worn or broken, so the trigger has to be returned forward manually, and the safety will not turn to the safe position. The rear sight is complete, though currently frozen with rust. The exterior condition shows exposure to the elements as well as wear from long term storage. The metalwork has oxidation, especially on the barrel around the woodline and on the lower barrel band. The butt plate also has a fair amount of rusting, along with the trigger guard. The stock shows staining from rust and exposure, though no major cracks or other damage. There is a gouge on the left side, which looks to be from part of the wood grain falling out.
Hard to find in any condition with an intact hand guard, this rifle definitely looks to have "really been there". Ready to restore or display as is!
Specifications-
Years of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: Portuguese 8×60mmR
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32.3 inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Bolt Action
Feed System: 8 Round Tube Magazine w/ Cutoff
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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